Apparatus for handling bakery products



H. E. TEMPLE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS 25,

Sept. 1, 1970 ll Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Dec.

JNVENTOR, HIRAM E'. TEMPLE Sept. 1, 1970 H. E. TEMPLE 3,526,325

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS Original Filed Dec. 25, 1963 11Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. HIRAM E. TEMPLE Sept. 1970 H. E. TEMPLE3,526,325

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS Original Filed Dec. 25, 1965 llSheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. 4 BY HIRAM E. TEMPLE- .faaiman, l'aa'unan Eralqcutu. cu-

AT TQRNEY H. E. TEMPLE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS Sept. 1,1910 ll SheetsSheet 4 Original Filed Dec. 23, 1963 INVENTORQ HIRAM E.TEMPLE l'cawman, .fzazmau 5 a l kuuucli FIG. 5

A TQRNEYS Sept. 1, 1970 H. E. TEMPLE APPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERYPRODUCTS 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Dec. 25, 1965 FIG. 6

\\ IIIIIII!!! INVENTOR. HIRAM E. TEMPLE Sept. 1, 1970 E. TEMPLEAPPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS m 1 E Q ,0 MU m Tp e M a m y w a.v W m m. E m h M m S 1 l A l l. m H m TlllJlllfllwlalulllMlallulllllllllllllulfllllJh 09 Ill. l||||||||l|l||Illllll. ll O b9 w 3 6 9 l 3 2 m 2. d e l 1 F l a n l g l r 0 ATTORNEYSH. E. TEMPLE ll Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. HIRAM E- TEMPLE l zawzan,lzalman 5 a l'fcc ulludh -FIG.9

ATT RNEY APPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS Sept. 1, 1970 OriginalFiled Dec." 25, 1965 Sept. 1, 1970 H. E. TEMPLE APPARATUS FOR HANDLINGBAKERY PRODUCTS 11 Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed Dec. 23, 1965 lgs 77 7ais FIG. 9-A

INVENTOR HIRAM E. TEMPLE laatmalz, 1 64mm); 5- al laulluab' ATTORNEYSSept. 1, 1970 H. E. TEMPLE 3,526,325

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS Original Filed Dec. 23) 1965 llSheets-Sheet 9 l N VEN TOR.

m j HIRAM E. TEMPLE ATTQRNEY Sept. 1, 1970 H. E. TEMPLE APPARATUS FORHANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS 11 Sheets-Sheet 10 Original Filed Dec. 25, 1963I N VEN TOR HIRAM E. TEMPLE .Lsawum, lizaznzau 5' a'licfullucfiATTORNEYS H. E. TEMPLE 3,526,325

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING BAKERY PRODUCTS 23, 1963 ll Sheets-Sheet 11 Sept.1, 1970 Original Filed Dec.

INVENTOR. HIRAM E. TEMPLE l'ea'zmam l'gazmoin ducal;

' ATTORNEY United States Patent 01 hoe 3,526,325 Patented Sept. 1, 1970US. Cl. 21416.4 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An apparatus suchas bakery proofers, coolers, and the like which are adapted to transportbakery products along a path from a loading station to an unloadingstation. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatus of thischaracter which is adapted to facilitate the loading of racks withbakery products, the conducting of the racks containing the productsalong the path through a treating zone, and the unloading of the'backery products after they have been conducted through the zone.

This application is a division of application, Ser. No. 332,813, filedDec. 23, 1963, now Pat. No. 3,319,806.

This invention relates to apparatus such as bakery proofers, coolers,and the like which are adapted to transport bakery products along a pathfrom a loading station to an unloading station. More specifically, theinvention relates to apparatus of this character which is adapted tofacilitate the loading of racks with bakery products, the conducting ofthe racks containing the products along the path through a treatingzone, and the unloading of the bakery products after they have beenconducted through the zone.

An object of the invention is to provide bakery equipment which issimplified in design and less expensive to produce and maintain thanpreviously known apparatus adapted for similar purposes.

Another object of the invention is to provide bakery product handlingapparatus which eliminates or minimizes the necessity of using rollerchains, thereby avoiding or minimizing the problems of chain stretchingand rusting or seizing of the chain rollers or pivots.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of thecharacter referred to that is capable of being operated by continuouslyrunning drive means, thereby eliminating the necessity of providingcomplex and expensive timing or synchronizing mechanisms.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the kinddescribed which is operable by a single driving motor, thereby greatlysimplifying the electrical and other control mechanisms usuallyassociated with multiple motor driving mechanisms.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for conductingracks through a closed path having vertical and horizontal componentsand in which the racks are held more nearly level at all times to avoidshifting of articles on the shelves.

A further object of the invention is to provide ap paratus of thecharacter described in which all movements of the product supportingracks are initiated and terminated gradually so as to avoid subjectingproducts supported by the racks to jars and sudden movements.

Another object of the invention is to provide in apparatus of the kindreferred to mechanism for maintaining product supporting shelves inexact alignment with the product loading and unloading devices so as toprevent damaging the product and the creation of jams due tomisalignment, even should the shelves become bent.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means foreffecting transfer of a product supporting rack from or to a verticalpath of travel to or from a horizontal path of travel.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means forelevating and lowering a product step by step in a vertical path.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed outspecifically or will become apparent from the. following descriptionwhen it is considered in conjunction with the appended claims and theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a proofer or cooler constructed inaccordance with the invention, the walls of the housing and certainparts of the frame being broken away for purposes of clarification;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with certainparts being broken away and other parts being shown fragmentarily forclarity;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3- of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, enlarged View of the elevator mechanismillustrated adjacent the left-hand end of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional 'view of a transfer device and taken onthe line 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 also is an enlarged sectional view of the transfer device, buttaken on the line 88 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, enlarged view partly in side elevation andpartly in section of lowerator mechanism shown adjacent the right-handend of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9A is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 9, but showing themechanism in an adjusted position;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, sectional view taken on the line 10-10 of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, sectional view of a transfer device and taken onthe line 1111 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the transfer apparatus and taken on theline 1212 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, enlarged, side elevational view of a portionof the drive transmitting mechanism illustrated adjacent the lowerleft-hand end of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary view partly in top plan and partly in sectionof the mechanism shown in FIG. 13.

DELIVERY AND DISCHARGE CONVEYORS Apparatus constructed in accordancewith the invention is adapted for use in conjunction with a productdelivery conveyor 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2) comprising an endless belt 2 or thelike trained around driven rolls 3 and by means of which pans Pcontaining dough or the like may be delivered to a loading station orzone 4. Beneath the delivery conveyor 1 is a product discharge conveyor5 comprising an endless belt 6 trained around driven rolls 7 and adaptedto receive pans P from an unloading zone or station 8.

The delivery and discharge conveyors 1 and 5, respectively, areconventional and form no part of the invention per se. It is, however,necessary that the pan supporting surfaces of the conveyors 2 and 6 bevertically spaced a predetermined distance apart, as will be pointed outin more detail hereinafter.

3 THE HOUSING Apparatus constructed in accordance with the inventioncomprises a housing 9 composed of vertical and horizontal frame members11 and 12, respectively, welded or otherwise suitably secured to oneanother to form a rigid framework 10. To the respective frame membersare secured walls or panels 13 around the four sides and. top of theframework to form a chamber that is closed except for an openingadjacent the conveyors 1 and and through which the pans P may pass intoand out of the housing.-

Extending longitudinally of the housing and supported by the frameworkare horizontal rails 78 and 79 vertically spaced from one another. Therails 78 provide an upper run or path for racks R and the rails 79provide a lower run or path for the racks.

THE DRIVE MECHANISM The drive mechanism is designated generally by thereference character 14 and comprises a preferably electric motor 15having a driving shaft 16 on which is mounted a pinion gear 17 aroundwhich is trained a sprocket chain 18 that drives a sprocket wheel 19mounted on a shaft that is supported by the framework. Also fixed to theshaft 20 is a sprocket wheel 21 which, by means of a chain 22, drives asprocket wheel 23 mounted on a shaft 24 that is supported on ahorizontal frame member 11. The motor and its associated driving partsconstitute the sole driving means for all of the movable partshereinafter described.

The drive mechanism also includes a crank 26- that is fixed to the shaft24 and to which is pivoted one end of a reciprocable conecting rod 27.The other end of the connecting rod 27 is pivoted as at 28 (FIGS. 1-3)to one end of a link 29 and to one arm 30 of a two-armed beam 31. Alsopivoted to the connecting rod 27 by the pivot 28 is one end of a link32, the other end of which is pivoted to a reciprocable bar 33 that issupported for horizontal movement on rollers 34 mounted on selectedframe members 11.

The beam 30 is fixed to a rock shaft 35 which spans the width of themachine frame and is journaled in bearing supports 36 mounted onhorizontal frame members 12. The central portion of the shaft 35 isenclosed within a sleeve 37 to guard against dripping of oil and theopposite ends of the sleeve 37 are supported in retainers 38 fixed tohorizontal frame members 12. I

Except for the rock shaft 35 and the sleeve 37, the parts of the drivemechanism thus far described are located at one side only of themachine. The drive mechanism, however, includes parts at the other sideof the machine which are similar to many of the parts hereinbefo'redescribed. Such parts are identified by similar reference characters,followed by the suffix a, and are best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Itwill be observed from FIG. 3 that the arm 30a of the beam 31a is not aslong as 'the corresponding beam arm 30, but terminates at a levelcorresponding to the level of the pivot 28.

The construction and operation of the driving mecha nism thus fardescribed are such that operation of the motor 15 causes rotation of thecrank 26 and recipiocation of the connecting rod 27. Reciprocatingmovement of the connecting rod 27 effects oscillation of the beams 31,31a, reciprocation of the links 29, 29a, and reciprocation of the bars33, 33

THE ARTICLE SUPPORTING RACKS The apparatus described thus far is adaptedfor use with a plurality of article supporting carriers or racksdesignated by the reference character R. Each rack is identical andcomprises a pair of spaced apart, vertical side walls 73 that arespanned by vertically spaced apart shelves 74. In the disclosedembodiment, each rack includes seven shelves, but more or fewer may beprovided.

Adjacent the upper end of each side wall 73 and on the longitudinalcenter thereof is an outwardly extending shaft 75 on which is journaleda preferably flanged wheel 76. Each shaft 75 includes a reduced endportion 77 which projects a substantial distance beyond the wheel 76.

The wheels 76 are adapted to ride upon the rails 78 supported by theframework adjacent the upper end of the housing 10. The wheels 76 alsoare adapted to ride upon the rails 79 supported by the frameworkadjacent the lower part of the housing.

Preferably, each rack R is provided with a pair of laterally projectingguide rollers 25 (FIGS. 6 and 10) at each side for engagement withvertical guide bars on rails 25' suported by the framework. The guidemembers 25 and 25" stabilize the racks and avoid any tendency of theracks to swing.

THE RACK ELEVATING MECHANISM The rack elevating mechanism is designatedgenerally by the reference character 80 and is best illustrated in FIGS.1, 3, 5 and 6. The rack elevating mechanism is interposed between theupper and lower runs and, at one side of the machine, comprises areciprocable frame 81 including a vertically extending bar 82 at theupper and lower ends of which is connected a plate 83 which, in turn, isjoined to a member 84. The members 82-84 form upper and lower mountingmeans which receive an L-shaped projection 85 fixed on the framework andon which are journaled a plurality of rollers 86 that guide the frame 81in its vertical movements.

On the bar 82 is pivoted a plurality of rack engaging fingers or dogs87, each of which comprises a two-arm bell crank. Each dog 87 is pivotedon the bar 82 by means of a pin 88 and includes a first arm 89 and asecond arm 90. To each arm 90 is connected one end of a tension spring91, the opposite end of which is anchored to a pin 92 mounted on the bar81. The spring 91 normally urges the arm 89 of its associated dog 87into a projected position, as shown in FIG. 5, and against a stop pin 93supported on the bar 81. Each dog, however, is rotatable in acounterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 5, as permitted by thespring 91.

Apparatus like that just described is provided at the opposite side ofthe machine and similar parts are identified by similar referencecharacters followed by the sufiix a.

Adjacent the movable frame 81 is a fixed frame 94 comprising avertically extending member '95 supported by the framework 10. Aplurality of article supporting fingers or dogs 96 is mounted on themember 95 and in each instance comprises a first arm 97 and a second arm98. Each dog 96 is pivoted as at 99 to its associated support member 95,and each arm 97 is urged to a projected position by a spring 100, oneend of which is connected to the arm 98 and the other end of which isanchored to a pin 101 supported on the frame member 95. The extent towhich the spring urges its associated arm 97 to a projected position isdetermined by a stop pin 102 located in the path of counterclockwisemovement of the dog 96. Apparatus 94a similar to the apparatus 94 isprovided at the opposite side of the machine.

As is best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ends of the respective arms 89and 97 overlap one another. To prevent interference between theoverlapping arms, the respective dogs are laterally offset from oneanother. The dogs 87 and 96 are equal in number, but are verticallystaggered with respect to one another. The lowermost article engagingdog 87 is so mounted that in its normal or inactive position its arm 89is located slightly above the level of the rail 79 but below the levelof the shaft 77 of a rack supported on the rail. As also is apparentfrom FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame member 82 lies in the path of horizontalmovement of each rack R to the left and forms a stop for the left-handend of the lower run. Moreover, the spacing between the frame members 82and 95 is such as to accommodate the shaft 77 and define a vertical pathof movement therefor.

ELEVATOR OPERATING MECHANISM The elevator operating mechanism (see FIGS.1-3) comprises a bell crank 103 rockably mounted on a shaft 40 andhaving an arm 39 pivotally connected to one end of the link 29, theother end of the latter being pivoted as at 28 to the arm 30 of the beam31 as has hereinbefore been described. The bell crank 103 has a secondarm 41 that is pivoted to one end of an upstanding link 42, the otherend of which is pivoted as at 104 to the lower end of the movable frame81. Similar apparatus is provided at the opposite side of the machineand similar parts are identified by similar reference charactersfollowed by the sufiix a.

The construction of the elevator operating mechanism is such thatoscillation of the beam arm 30 causes oscillation of the bell crank 103and vertical reciprocation of the link 42 and the movable frame 81.

In the operation of the elevator apparatus, upward movement of themovable frame 81 from the position shown in FIG. causes the lowermostdog 87 to engage the shaft 77 of a rack and lift the latter along thepath defined by the frame members 82 and 95. The stroke of the operatingmechanism is somewhat greater than the spacing between adjacent articlesupporting dogs 96. As the rack R is raised, the lowermost dog 96 iscammed out of the path of movement of the shaft 77, but once the shaft77 is at a higher level than the lowermost dog 96, its spring 100restores the latter to its projected position. At this point thedirection of movement of the movable frame 81 is reversed. As the frame81 moves downwardly, the rack shaft 77 is engaged by the lowermost dog96 and is supported thereby. As the frame 81 continues to movedownwardly, the second lowest dog 87 will be cammed by the shaft 77 fromits projected position to a retracted position until such time as themovement of the frame 81 lowers the dog -87 to a position below theshaft 77. Continued reciprocation of the frame 81 will effectincremental or indexing movement of the rack R upwardly in successiveincrements of distance corresponding to the spacing between the rackshelves 74.

RACK UNLOADING MECHANISM Rack unloading mechanism is indicated generallyby the reference character 105 and is best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and5. The unloading apparatus comprises a pair of parallel bars 106, 106a,one located at either side of the machine, and reciprocably supported byrollers 107, 107a that are mounted on selected vertical frame members11. The ends of the bars 106 adjacent the elevator mechanism 80 arejoined to one another by a pusher bar or plate 108 which is adapted totraverse a rack shelf 74 and sweep articles therefrom to the dischargeconveyor 5.

RACK LOADING MECHANISM The rack loading mechanism is indicated generallyby the reference character 109 and comprises a pair of bars 110, 110asimilar to the bars 106, 106a and overlying the latter. The bars 110,110a are reciprocably mounted in rollers 111, 111a supported from themain frame. The bars 110, 110a extend above and beyond the deliveryconveyor 1 and are connected at corresponding ends by a depending pusherbar or panel 112 which is adapted to engage articles such as the pans Pand transfer them from the conveyor 1 to a rack shelf.

RACK LOADING AND UNLOADING OPERATING MECHANISM The rack loading andunloading operating mechanism is indicated generally by the referencecharacter 113 and is best disclosed in FIGS. 1, 5, 13 and 14. Themechanism 113 includes a T-shaped lever 114 that is rockably mounted onthe shaft 35. The lever 114 includes one arm 115 that is pivoted to aconnecting link 116 that is pivoted on a lug 117 fixed to the bar 106.The lever 114 includes a second arm 118 that is pivoted to one end of aconnecting link 119, the other end of which is pivoted to a bracket 120mounted on the arm 110. The third arm 121 of the lever 114 is pivoted toone end of a link 122, the opposite end of which is pivoted to a crankarm 123.

The construction of the loader and unloader operating mechanism is suchthat rotation of the crank arm 123 effects vertical reciprocation of thelink .122 and oscillation of the lever 114 so as to effect simultaneousreciprocation of the rack unloading apparatus 105 and the loadingapparatus 109.

In the operation of the apparatus, articles on each successive rackshelf are pushed off the latter onto the conveyor 5 and simultaneouslyarticles are transferred from the conveyor 1 to the next upper adjacentrack shelf following each incremental movement of a rack by the elevatormechanism.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 13 and 14, the loader and unloaderoperating mechanism includes a link 43 that is pivoted at the lower endto the beam arm 30 and at the other end to a horizontally reciprocablecarriage 44 having rollers 45 which ride on vertically spaced rails 47and 48 supported on vertical frame members 11 to guide the carriage inits movements. Fixed to the carriage 44 is a toothed rack 49 havingteeth 50 in mesh with the teeth of a gear 51 freely mounted on a shaft52 that is journaled adjacent one end in a self-aligning, fixed bearing53 supported on a horizontal frame member 12. The other end of the shaft52 is journaled in a floating bearing 54 that is mounted in a bearingguide 55 which is frictionally supported on another horizontal frame bar12 so as to be capable of movement relative thereto.

A plate 67 is keyed on the shaft 52 and has pivoted thereto as at 68 alatch dog 69. The dog 69 has a notch 70 which receives a pin 71 that issecured to and projects laterally from the gear 51. The dog 69 normallyis urged in a direction to seat the pin 71 in the notch 70 by means of aspring 72. The arrangement is such that movement of the rack 49 to theright, as viewed in FIGS. 13 and 14, by the beam arm 30 causes the gear51 to rotate free of the plate 67 and the dog 69. Return move ment ofthe rack 49, however, engages the pin 71 in the notch 70 of the dog 69so as to effect one revolution of the shaft 52 and consequently rotationof the plate 67.

One revolution of the shaft 52 causes one revolution of the crank 123and one cycle of operation of the loading and unloading mechanism. Thecycle of operation of the loader and unloader mechanism is complete whenthe carriage 44 is in the position shown in FIG. 13. Consequently, thepusher bars of the loading and unloading mechanism are withdrawn fromthe rack to enable the latter to move upwardly without interference. Dueto the idle rotation of the gear 51 upon movement of the carriage 44 tothe right from the position shown in FIG. 13, the pusher bars remain intheir retracted positions during indexing of the rack.

JAM PREVENTING MECHANISM In order to prevent jamming of articles duringtheir transfer to and from a rack, the spacing between the supportingsurfaces of the conveyors 1 and 5 corresponds exactly to the spacingbetween adjacent rack shelves. To guard against sagging of the shelvesof a rack, one or more toothed arms 125 (FIGS. 1 and 5) are pivoted asat 127 on brackets 126 supported on the main frame and are lightly urgedin a direction toward the rack R by torsion springs surrounding thepivot pins 127. As a rack is indexed upwardly, each successive shelfcams the arms 125 out of the way until the shelf reaches a level inwhich it may be received in a notch 128 formed at the free end of eacharm 125. The arm 125 then is restored to its rack supporting position asdetermined by a flange on the bracket 126, in which position it assureshorizontal alignment of the rack shelves and the conveyors 1 and 5. Inaddition, the arms 125 stabilize the rack against any swinging movement.

DRIVE INTERRUPTING MECHANISM If, for some reason, a jam does occur intransferring pans to or from a rack shelf, the apparatus includes meansreacting between the drive mechanism 14 and the loading and unloadingmeans for interrupting operation'of the driving mechanism. The driveinterrupting means is best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and includes thefloating bearing guide to which is pivoted one end of a thrust rod 56,the other end of which is pivoted to one end of a lever 57 that ispivoted as at 58 to the guide rail 47. To the other end of the lever 57rod 59 is pivoted as at 60. One end of the rod 59 is adapted to engageand open a normally closed switch 61 that is supported on the frame andconnected in the circuit of the motor 15, The other end of the rod 59slidably receives a flanged sleeve 62 that is surrounded by a pair ofwashers 63 that engage opposite sides of a plate 64 that is supported onthe frame. A pair of compression springs 65 surround the rod 59 andreact between the washers 63 and flanged sleeves 66 that are fixed onthe rod 59. The springs 65 normally center the lever 57 in such positionthat the switch 61 remains closed, but permit rocking movement of thelever 57 upon displacement of the bearing guide 55 to effect opening ofthe switch 61 and stopping of the driving motor 15. Such displacement ofthe guide 55 will occur if the loading or unloading devices areobstructed.

ELEVATOR TRANSFER APPARATUS Transfer apparatus is provided fortransferring racks from the upper end of the elevator mechanism to theupper rails 78 for movement along the upper run of the machine. Thetransfer apparatus is best illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8. Theapparatus 130 comprises a carriage member 131 provided with rollers 132that support the carriage for horizontal sliding movement between upperand lower guide rails 133 and 134, respectively, that are fixed tovertical frame members 11. Pivoted to the carriage 131 on a bushing 135isone end of an arm 136 terminating at its other end in a generallyL-shaped member 137 that is adapted to overlie and engage the stub shaft77 of a rack that has been elevated to the upper run of the machine.Fixed to the arm 136 at its pivoted end is an upstanding bar 138 towhich is connected one end of a tension spring 139, the other end of thespring being anchored to a lug 140 that is fixed to the carriage 131.The spring 139 normally urges the arm 136 to rock clockwise, as viewedin FIG. 5, to position the member 137 at the level of the rack shelf 77when the latter is at the upper run, but the spring 139 permits rockingmovement of the arm 136 in a counterclockwise direction. Clockwiserocking of the arm 136 is limited by a stop 141 on the carriage 131 andwhich is received in a notch 142 formed in the transfer arm.

Transfer apparatus 130a similar to the transfer apparatus 130 is locatedat the opposite side of the machine and corresponding parts areidentified by corresponding reference characters, followed by the sufiixa.

ELEVATOR TRANSFER OPERATING MEANS Apparatus for operating the elevatortransfer apparatus 103 comprises an arm 144 on the beam 31 and a link145 that is pivoted at one end to the arm 144 and at the other end tothe carriage 131 by bushing 135.

Similar parts are provided at the opposite side of the machine and areidentified by similar reference characters, followed by the suffix a.

In the operation of the apparatus, oscillation of the beams 31, 31aeffects reciprocating movement of the transfer devices 130, 130a. Thearrangement is such that rocking of the beams 31, 31a counterclockwisefrom the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 effects movement of thetransfer carriages 131, 131a to the left as the rack R is elevated tosuch a position as to be supported by the uppermost supporting dog 96.The arms 136, 136a may be swung upwardly by the rack shaft 77 as thecarriages move to the left, but will be returned by their respectivesprings to their lowered positions once they are free of the shafts 77.Return movement of the beams 31, 31a will cause the members 137, 137a toengage the rack shafts 77 and push the rack along the upper rails 78toward the far end of the upper run.

A rack being transferred to the upper run of the machine from theelevator apparatus will engage a previously transferred rack so as toeffect movement of all of the racks in the upper run toward the right,as viewed in FIG. 1.

RACK LOWERATOR APPARATUS Lowerator apparatus is provided for indexing arack from the upper run of the machine to its lower run and is bestillustrated in FIGS. 1, 9, 9A and 10. The lowerator apparatus comprisesa vertically reciprocable frame 151 comprising an elongated member 152spanning the distance between the upper and lower runs and having upperand lower guides 153 and -154 on which ride rollers 155 that arejournaled on bracket members 156 supported on the main frame. Fixed tothe member 152 is an elongated strap 157 and between the latter and themember 152 is pivoted a plurality of vertically spaced articlesupporting dogs 158. Each dog 158 comprises a bell crank pivoted bymeans of a pin 159 between its two arms 160 and 161. Each arm 160terminates in an upstanding ear 162 that is adapted to engage a stop pin163 spanning the space between the members 152 and 157.

Fixed to the main frame adjacent the movable frame 151 is a stationaryframe member 165 and to which is fixed a strap 166. Between the strapand the member 165 is pivoted a plurality of article supporting dogs orfingers 167, each of which includes two arms 168 and 169. Each dog 167is pivoted by means of a pin 170 located between the arms 168 and 169.The free end of each arm 168 terminates in an upstanding car 171 that isadapted to engage a stop pin 172 which spans the distance between themembers 165 and 166.

The dogs 158 and 167 are uniformly spaced but are vertically staggered,as is best shown in FIG. 9. The dogs also are laterally spaced so as toavoid engaging each other. The frame members 151 and '165 are spacedapart from one another a distance sufficient to accommodate the rackstub shafts 77 and define a vertical path therefor.

Each of the sets of dogs 158 and 167 is adapted to be moved from aprojected position in the path of movement of a rack to a retractedposition out of the path of the rack. Means for effecting such movementsof the dogs 158 comprises a bar 174 that is pivoted to each of the dogarms 161 and is supported thereby. Mounted on the bar 174 is a roller175 that bears against one arm 176 of a bell crank 178 that is pivotedas at 177 on a block 179 that is supported on the member 174. A secondarm 180 of the bell crank 178 carries a roller 181 at its free end whichrides against a cam 182 having a vertical surface 183 and an inclinedcam surface 184. The cam 182 is supported on the main frame.

Means for moving the dogs 167 from their projected positions to theirretracted positions comprises a vertical bar 185 that is pivoted to thearm 169 of each dog 167 and supported thereby. The bar 185 is providedwith a lug 186 on which is mounted a roller 187 that bears against onearm 188 of a bell crank 189 pivoted on the fixed frame member 165. Thebell crank 189 includes a second arm 190 having a roller 191 at its freeend that is adapted to be engaged by a cam block 192 fixed on themovable frame member 157 and having an inclined cam surface 193 and avertical surface 194.

When the Lowerator apparatus is in its normal, inacti ve position and inreadiness to receive a rack from the upper run of the machine, themovable frame 151 is in an elevated position with the cam follower 181engaging the vertical cam surface 183 of the cam block 182. In thesepositions of the parts, the bar 174 is elevated and maintains each ofthe dog arms 160 is a projected position, as is indicated in FIG. 9. Thecam follower 191 of the bell crank 189, however, is free of the camblock 192, thereby enabling the bar 185 to hold, by gravity, the dogs167 in such positions that their arms 168 are retracted, as is shown inFIG. 9.

When the movable frame 151 moves toward its lowered position, the cam192 will engage the cam follower 191 and rock the bell crank 189clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 9, so as to move the actuating bar 185vertically, thereby projecting the dog arms 168 into the path of therack shaft 77. Downward movement of the movable frame 151 also willeifect disengagement between the cam 182 and the bell crank 178 so as topermit downward movement of the actuating rod 174 and retraction of thedog arms 160 from the path of the rack shaft 77. See FIG. 9A.

Upward movement of the movable frame 151 will effect restoration of thearticle engaging dogs 158 to their projected positions and restorationof the article supporting dogs 167 to their retracted positions.

Apparatus like that described above is provided at the opposite side ofthe machine and similar parts are identified by similar referencecharacters, followed by the suifix a.

LOWERATOR OPERATING MECHANISM The Lowerator operating mechanism 195comprises a bell crank 196 journaled on a shaft 197 supported on themain frame and having one of its arms 198 pivoted to one end of a link199, the other end of which is pivoted as at 200 to the reciprocatingbar 33. The bell crank 196 has a second arm 201 that is pivoted to oneend of an operating link 202, the other end of which is pivoted to thelower end of the movable frame member 152. Reciprocation of the bar 33effects oscillation of the bell crank 196 and vertical reciprocation ofthe movable frame 151.

Similar apparatus is provided at the opposite side of the machine.

TRANSFER OF RACKS TO LOWERATOR The machine preferably includes means 203(FIGS. 9, 9A) for assisting in the transfer of racks from the upper runto the Lowerator. The transfer means 203 comprises a bell crank 204pivoted at 205 on an ear 206 that is supported on a frame member 12. Thebell crank includes an arm 207 on which is journaled a roller 208 thatis adapted to be engaged by an extension 209 of the member 152. The bellcrank includes a second arm 210 to which is connected one end of atension spring 211, the opposite end of the latter being anchored to anear 212 fixed to a frame member 12. The bell crank normally is held bythe spring 211 in the position indicated in FIG. 9A with the arm 210against a stop 213. In this position of the bell crank, sufiicientclearance is provided between the rail 78 and the free end of the arm210 to permit the rack to pass beneath the bell crank withoutinterference between the arm 210 and the stub shaft 77. When the movableframe 151 is in its elevated position, however, the extension 209engages the roller 208 and rocks the bell crank counterclockwise, asviewed in FIG. 9, so as to cause the arm 210 to bear agains the rackstub shaft 77 and move the rack toward to right until the shaft 77 bearsagainst the confronting surface of the members 152 and 157. As themovable frame 151 moves to a lowered position, the spring 211 returnsthe bell crank 204 to its inactive position.

Similar apparatus is provided at the opposite side of I the machine.

10 TRANSFER OF RACKS FROM THE LOWERATOR Means 215 is provided fortransferring racks from the Lowerator and for effecting movement of theracks along the lower run. The transfer apparatus 215 is best shown inFIGS. 1, 9, 11 and 12 and comprises a carriage 216 provided with rollers217 that ride upon upper and lower guide rails 218 and 219,respectively, to guide the carriage in its movements. Pivoted at 220 tothe carriage 216 is an arm 221 at the free end of which is a generallyL- shaped pusher member 222 that is adapted to engage the shaft 77 of arack R. Fixed on the arm 221 is a lug 223 to which one end of a spring224 is connected. The other end of the spring is anchored to a plate 225that is fixed to the carriage 216. The spring 224 constantly urges thearm 221 to rock in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 9, so as tolocate the member 22 in a position to engage the shaft 77. The arm 21 ismovably maintained in such position by a stop 226 that is carried by thecarriage 216 and adapted to be received in a notch 227 formed in the arm221.

The arm 221 is rockable about the pivot 220 in a counterclockwisedirection, as viewed in FIG. 9, so as to permit the members 221 and 222to be cammed out of the path of a rack shaft 77 upon movement of thecarriage 216 to the right from the position shown in FIG. 9. After thearm 221 has been moved to the right of a shaft 77, however, the spring224 restores the arm to a raised position in which the member 222 mayengage a shaft 77.

Similar transfer apparatus 215a is provided at the opposite side of themachine.

TRANSFER APPARATUS OPE-RATING MEANS Means 228 (FIG. 1) is provided foroperating the transfer mechanism 215 and comprises a link 229 that ispivoted at one end to the bell crank arm 198 and at its other end to theplate 225. As the rod 33 is reciprocated by the crank 26, the bell crank196 is oscillated and the carriage 216 is reciprocated. The length ofthe stroke of the carriage 216 is such as to move the member 222 to theright from the position shown in FIG. 1 a distance sufficient to locatethe member 222 to the right of a racl shaft 77 being discharged from theLowerator 150.

OPERATION To condition the apparatus for operation, a plurality of racksR will be introduced to the machine and arranged on the upper and lowerruns in face-to-face engagement. An additional number of racks may beincluded and disposed on the elevator or Lowerator mechanism. The numberof racks that may be accommodated by the machine will vary according tothe size of the latter, but it is necessary that there be a sufficientnumber of racks that transfer of a rack from the elevator toward theLowerator will effect movement of a rack from the upper run to theLowerator. It also is necessary that the number of racks be such thattransfer of a rack from the Lowerator to the lower run of the machineeffects movement of a rack from the lower run to the lower end of theelevator.

When a sufficient number of racks has been introduced to the machine,the motor 15 may be started and operated continuously so as toconstantly rotate the driving crank 26. A rack introduced to the lowerend of the elevator will be indexed upwardly step by step past theunloadnig station 8 and the loading station 4. As each shelf ispositioned at the unloading station 8 the next higher shelf will bepositioned at the loading station 4. At this time, the loading andunloading mechanism will be operated so as simultaneously to dischargearticles from the lower rack shelf to the conveyor 5 and to transferarticles from the conveyor 1 to the next higher shelf.

Such incremental elevating of the rack continues until the bottom shelfis loaded from the conveyor 1, at which time the transfer mechanism willengage the shaft 77 and push the loaded rack along the upper run towardthe Lowerator. Such movement of the loaded rack will cause the rack atthe far end of the upper run to be introduced to the Lowerator 150.

The rack in the Lowerator will be indexed or lowered incrementally untilsuch time as it reaches the level of the lower run. At this time thetransfer apparatus 215 will engage the rack shaft 77 and push the latterto the left or toward the elevator. Such movement of the rack willadvance the racks on the lower run so as to introduce the endmost rackto the elevator. The process then is repeated for each of the remainingracks.

The construction of the apparatus is such that one driving motor effectsthe operations of all parts of the apparatus, thereby dispensing withmultiple driving units and complex synchronizing devices. Moreover,except for the driving chains associated with the motor 15, no otherchains are required. Furthermore, the utilization of links and levers toeffect movements of the racks and the transfer of articles to and fromthe racks enables the movement of the racks and articles to begin slowlyand end slowly, thereby minimizing starting and stopping shocks.

The disclosed embodiment is representative of a presently preferred formof the invention but is intended to be illustrative, rather thandefinitive. The invention is defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. In bakery product treating apparatus: a plurality of rack carriers,each having vertically spaced surfaces for supporting bakery products;means forming a conveyor circuit for said carriers includinglongitudinally spaced, generally vertically extending run portionsconnected by upper and lower run portions; a loading support surface andan unloading support surface adjacent one of the vertically extendingrun portions; drive motor means; and carrier movement controlling meansdriven continuously by said motor means for moving said carriers alongsaid one run portion in incremental steps with a dwell betweenincrements of vertical movement, said means including: a series ofvertically spaced support stations having support surfaces forming saidone run portion; said support station surfaces being vertically spacedapart a distance substantially corresponding to the vertical spacing ofsaid support surfaces on the carriers; means on said carriers by whichsaid carriers are supported at successive support stations; means fortransferring said carriers between said vertically extending runportions and upper and lower run portions; vertically oscillating liftmember means having spaced apart lift support surfaces thereon spacedvertically apart a distance substantially corresponding to the verticalspacing of said support surfaces on the carriers for moving the carriersvertically from one support station surface to another in intermittentmovements so that said carriers are moved around said circuit; meansconnecting said drive motor means and lift member means for oscillatingsaid lift member means in a path to move a carrier from a position onone support station to a position to deposit it on the support stationimmediately adjacent it and thence to return to position; and means forloading products to said carrier surfaces from said loading supportsurface and unloading them from said carrier surfaces to said unloadingsupport surface while said lift member means is returning.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 in which said support stations aremovable between extended and withdrawn positions.

3. The combination defined in claim 2 in which the support stations arepivotally mounted and those on the vertical run portion and lift membermeans are in laterally overlying relation in extended position.

4. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said series of supportstations forms an elevator run portion and a lowerator run portion alsoincludes a series of vertically spaced, extendable and withdrawablesupport stations; transfer means having a down stroke for moving thecarriers vertically from one lowerator support station surface toanother is provided; and cam operated means is also provided connectingsaid lowerator support stations for extending and withdrawing movementin unison.

5. The combination defined in claim 4 in which pivotal arm means havinga notched outer end for engaging under a carrier support surface ismounted at said elevator run portion and is movable from a position outof the path of said carriers down to engage under the carrier surfacesto restore any sag thereof.

6. In bakery product treating apparatus: a plurality of rack carriers,each having vertically spaced surfaces for supporting bakery products;means forming a conveyor circuit for said carriers includinglongitudinally spaced, generally vertically extending run portionsconnected by upper and lower run portions; said means including a seriesof vertically spaced support stations having cupport surfaces forming avertically extending lowerator run portion and means forming avertically extending elevator run portion; means mounting said supportstations for movement between extended and withdrawn positions; means onsaid carriers by which said carriers are supported at successive supportstations; transfer means having a downstroke for moving the carriersvertically from one support station surface downwardly to another sothat said carriers are lowered along said lowerator run portion and anup stroke for returning to position; means connecting support stationsfor movement in unison; and means operable to actuate said stationconnecting means and move the support stations to extended position toreceive the carriers from said transfer means.

7. The combination defined in claim 6 in which said means connectingsaid support stations comprises a vertical member; and said meansoperable to move it comprises cam means holding said vertical member upagainst the force of gravity until the transfer means is near the end ofits down stroke.

8. In bakery product treating apparatus: a plurality of rack carriers,each having vertically spaced surfaces for supporting bakery products;means forming a conveyor circuit for said carriers includinglongitudinally spaced, generally vertically extending run portionsconnected by upper and lower run portions; said means including a firstseries of vertically spaced support stations having support surfacesforming a vertically extending lowerator run portion and means forming avertically extending elevator run portion; means on said carriers bywhich said carriers are supported at successive support stations;transfer means having a down stroke for moving the carriers verticallyfrom one support station surface downwardly to another so that saidcarriers are lowered along said lowerator run portion and an up strokefor returning to position; said transfer means having a second series ofvertically spaced support stations mounted for movement between extendedand withdrawn positions; means connecting said second series of supportstations for movement in unison; and means operable to actuate saidstation connecting means and move the support stations to extendedposition to receive the carriers from said upper run portion of thecircuit.

9. The combination defined in claim 8 in which said means connectingsaid support stations comprises a vertical member; and said meansoperable to move it comprises cam means on said transfer means operableto actuate said station connecting means when the transfer means is nearthe end of its down stroke.

10. In bakery product treating apparatus: a plurality of rack carriers,each having vertically spaced surfaces for supporting bakery products;means forming a conveyor circuit for said carriers includinglongitudinally spaced, generally vertically extending elevator andlowerator run portions connected by upper and lower run portions; aloading support surface and an unloading support surface adjacent one ofsaid vertically extending run portions; means on said carriers by whichsaid carriers are supported during travel on said run portions; meansdriving said vertically extending run portion adjacent said loadingsupport surface and unloading support surface in vertical incrementalmovements having dwells between them;

transfer means for loading products between said loading and unloadingsupport surfaces and carrier support surfaces during said dwells; andswingable arm means having outer ends shaped to engage under eachcarrier surface and restore any sagged condition; said arm means beingswingable from a position iout of the path of said carrier surfaces to aposition in engagement therewith; and means normally urging said armmeans to engaged position.

11. The combination defined in claim in which said swingable arm meansis mounted at the elevator run por- 15 tion and has a notch at its"outer end for engaging under 7 a carrier surface.

12. In bakery product treating apparatus: a plurality I of rackcarriers, each having vertically spaced surfaces for supporting bakeryproducts; means forming a conveyor circuit for said carriers includinglongitudinally spaced, generally vertically extending run portionsconnected by upper and lowei; run portions; said means ineluding a firstsupport statlions means having a series of r vertically spaced support gjsurfaces forming a vertically extending elevator run portion and asecond support station means having a series of vertically spacedsupport surfaces forming a vertically extending lowerator run pOI'-tion; conveyor support suigface means adjacent said elevator runportion; transfer means for moving products between the support surfacesof said carriers and said conveyor support surface means; meanspermitting transfer of said carriers between said elevator and loweratorrun portions and upper and lower run portions; reciprocating bar meansat each vertically extending run portion for engaging a carries andmoving it vertically from one support station surface to another so thatsaid carriers are moved around said circuit; longitudinally movabletransmission bar means extending longitudinally between the elevator runportion and lowerato'r run portion; link means connecting the ends ofthe reciprocating bar means with the ends of the transmission bar means;and means driving said transmission bar means.v

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS EVON C. BLUNK, Primary ExaminerA. GOODMAN, Assistant Examiner us. c1. X.RV.I 19s-s5

